April 23rd 2022
481 Camp Ranch Rd Gainesville, FL 32641
The best place to see alligators in the home of the Gators.
What makes Paynes Prairie is the massive sink hole that resides in it, the Alachua Sink. Sometimes this sink will clog, and create a small lake, which is why half of the trail is closed this day.
When the sink is clear, the La Chua trail leads 3.1 mile round-trip over boardwalks to a large Prairie overlook.
Type of Habitat: Wet Prairie
Weather: Sunny
Air Temperature: 87° F
See all of my observations from La Chua Trail on iNaturalist
I Notice, I wonder, It Reminds me of
La Chua Trail is always beaming with life above and below. On this excursion, I saw several different birds and plants, but one notable creature that I have not seen here before is the Purple Gallinule.
I have only ever seen a Purple Gallinule before further south both in the Everglades, and Apopka, FL. I recognized it immediately with its bright iridescent coat glistening in the sun, but it's second most identifiable feature is its large yellow feet. The Gallinule looks very similar to its Moorhen relative with their red forehead and large feet to walk across the marsh grass. Their most noticeable difference is in their feather color.
The Moorhen is mostly brown/black with a hint of white in their wings and tails.
Prominent animals and species
As I said before, Paynes Prairie is beaming with life. From birds, to frogs, and most famously the alligators.
Featured above: Snowy White Egret, Great White Egret, Lumpkin, Common Water Hyacinth, Apple Snail Eggs (invasive).
Great White Egret Wading
Last but not least, the American Alligator
This time of year, the alligators are laying out sunbathing and casually reminding the Prairie who is at the top of the food chain. This fella (or gal) slid its way up just as I met the end of the boardwalk. Below you will see another picture of what NOT to do when at freshwater body with alligators present
You can see the barrier placed at the end of the boardwalk to signify the rest of the trail is closed. The trail to the observation tower has been closed for multiple years now because the sinkhole is filled and has flooded the path. As a result, the alligators now wander easily right onto the old pathway, and do not recognize it as a human inhabited space. These two people are making a big no-no by being across this gate.